How effective is rabies vaccination?

Hi there! (I m not sure if you are the right person to be asking, but..) I m hopefully going to Africa in April; I ve got most of my vaccinations, but I was told that Rabies is optional, and that as long as you get hospital treatment asap, you don t need it as the first course of treatment is the vaccine ... I m not sure how true this is, but I thought it best to get a professional opinion before making up my mind! I will be camping and outside a lot, but how effective is the vaccination and what are the significant pro s for having it against not having it? Many thanks, Charlotte

Hi Charlotte,
Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic,
As you are going to Africa and you have to campaign outside a lot there is risk for animal bite especially dog bite.
In this situation I advise you to take anti rabies vaccination prior to going Africa as a pre-exposure prophylaxis.
As rabies vaccine is safe and preformed antibodies against rabies due to pre-exposure prophylaxis always more protective than post exposure prophylaxis and more appropriate in risky professions and regions.
Hope I have answered your query.

Answered: Fri, 1 Mar 2013

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